Job Opportunities

National Director of Affiliation Strategy

Position Summary

This is an exciting new opportunity to help shape and coordinate the joint programming of Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice), a national affiliation of five leading organizations advocating for the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and other underserved communities to promote a fair and equitable society for all. The affiliation's members are: Advancing Justice - AAJC (Washington, D.C.), Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus (San Francisco), Advancing Justice – Atlanta, Advancing Justice – Chicago, and Advancing Justice - Los Angeles.

The new Director of Affiliation Strategy will help chart a course for Advancing Justice’s joint work over the next several years, at a critical time for immigration, voting rights, racial justice and other core priorities. The ideal candidate will draw on the expertise and talent of staff across the affiliation to launch bold new campaigns and engage community partners across the country to advance the affiliation’s vision for an inclusive democracy. The Advancing Justice affiliation represents an innovative model for joint advocacy, at a national scale that is unparalleled for Asian American communities. In 2013, united by their desire to increase the impact of their advocacy, four of the nation’s largest and longstanding independent Asian American social justice organizations formed the Advancing Justice affiliation. Today, with presence on both coasts, the Midwest and
Southeastern U.S., five affiliated organizations work together—as equal and independent partners under one name, speaking with one unified and powerful voice—to promote justice, empower Asian American communities, bring local and national constituents together, and strengthen America’s multi-racial democracy.
Working closely with the senior leadership and selected teams of the five affiliates, the Director of Affiliation Strategy will build upon the organizations’ deep expertise, experience and track record of advancing civil rights in the U.S. through litigation, policy advocacy, community engagement and communications strategies. This dynamic leader will help implement a shared vision for expanding the national role of Advancing Justice in reaching a broad range of Asian American communities, in partnership with immigrant and racial justice movements throughout the U.S.

This position calls for a creative, experienced leader with proven strategic and advocacy skills, as well as political savvy, strong written and oral communication skills, and an enterprising spirit. Informed passion for the mission and values of Advancing Justice is critical, as is sophisticated understanding of law and policy change, engaging communities, and operating within networks and campaigns.

Responsibilities and duties:

The principal responsibilities of the Director of Affiliation Strategy are as follows:
• Significantly and strategically enhance and grow the public profile and programmatic reach of the affiliation through strategic communications, including a heightened use of online presence and social media.
• Lead strategic planning and execution around shared priorities and campaigns of the affiliation. Support senior leadership of affiliates in setting overarching goals and priorities for the affiliation.
• Ensure that the affiliation is nimble, bold and responsive to changing conditions, trends and unexpected challenges. Lead ongoing strategic review, evaluation and learning to
make sure the affiliation’s joint programming is achieving desired impact.
• Work with experienced teams and leaders across the affiliates to advance joint strategies and priorities around high-impact litigation, policy advocacy, communications, and community engagement. Coordinate joint meetings and activities with teams to drive key strategic goals and initiatives.
• Keep senior leadership across the affiliation well informed about ongoing activities and provide them with concise, rigorously presented information to make sound decisions. Present regular updates to affiliate staff and Board leadership on strategies and programming of the affiliation.
• Support joint fundraising goals of the affiliation.
• Manage additional joint affiliation staff person(s) and consultants to affiliation, as needed.

Qualification:

The ideal candidate will have:
• BA and graduate degree in law or public policy preferred.
• At least seven years of experience in leading programming and/or campaigns to advance social justice, preferably in a legal or policy setting. Experience in managing staff and organizational development is strongly preferred.
• Understanding of key civil rights policy issues affecting Asian Americans, including immigration, voting rights and democratic participation, national security and privacy, criminal justice and other issues of racial and economic justice.
• Understanding of law and public policy, legislative and political processes, the ways outside forces impact government, and the role of media and social communications in driving change. Significant experience in developing and implementing communications and public education strategies.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with ability to inspire others, listen to and address diverse viewpoints constructively, and gain the trust and confidence of peers. Tenacity, pragmatism, energy, humility, patience and good humor.
• Demonstrated capacity to work well in a team environment, collaborate, build consensus, identify points of contention, and drive toward joint decisions. Experienced leadership in networks or coalitions strongly preferred.
• Innovative spirit and drive. Willingness to put forth new ideas and ways of thinking.
• Strong self-initiative, and track record of turning ideas into action.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Experience with social media as an advocacy tool would be an advantage.
• Deep commitment to advancing the interests of low-income Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, immigrants and other underserved communities, and appreciation for the larger role of Asian American communities in shaping an inclusive democracy and equitable future for all.

Salary

How to apply

Interested candidates should e-mail the following to jobs@advancingjustice-alc.org: resume; cover letter summarizing interest, qualifications and experience; writing sample; and two references. Kindly put “Application – Director of Affiliation Strategy” in the subject line of the e- mail. Please submit materials in PDF format. No phone calls, please.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and accepted until the position is filled.
The Asian Americans Advancing Justice affiliation is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action in employment. All persons are encouraged to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious affiliation.

Bilingual Program Assistant

Position Summary

Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Atlanta is seeking a full-time bilingual program assistant to provide programmatic and outreach support for its citizenship program. In its first year and a half, our citizenship program has served several hundred applicants at low or no cost. The bilingual program assistant will play an important role in continuing to grow and expand the citizenship program and our other legal services programs. Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Atlanta is leading the delivery of critical legal and immigration support programs focused on the unique needs of AAPI communities under attack in Atlanta.

Responsibilities and duties:

• Prospect, initiate, manage, and staff our off-site citizenship assistance partnerships.
• Create outreach materials for these partnerships.
• Plan, execute, and manage monthly citizenship clinics and all related outreach.
• Work on grant reports related to the program
• Implement best practices and new technologies and resources to improve our citizenship program.
• Answer the phone and return voicemails. Direct calls, give referrals, and schedule appointments.
• Collect and maintain data regarding all clients and potential clients seen and served.
• Work with immigration staff attorneys to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive community outreach plan. Initiate and develop relationships with community groups, student groups and educators, communities of color, Muslim communities, immigrant and refugee communities, service providers, local governments, businesses, houses of worship, and other key stakeholders and allies.

Qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work both independently and under supervision.
• Proven experience handling multiple tasks, events, and deadlines simultaneously. Prior project coordination experience preferred.
• Dedication to serving underserved communities, and a sincere commitment to working on behalf of the indigent immigrant community.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with lawyers and other professional staff, with diverse groups of community members, and across the demographic and political spectrum.
• A valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and willingness to travel extensively.
• Ability to work irregular hours, and to attend evening and weekend events and meetings, is required.
• Fluency in Spanish and one Asian language (Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Urdu/Hindi, Arabic), preferred.

Salary

Salary range for this position is commensurate with experience and is based on principles of internal equity.

How to apply:

Send resume, cover letter, 3 references, and a writing sample to Javeria Jamil, Staff Attorney, at jjamil@advancingjustice-atlanta.org. No phone calls, please. Position will remain open until filled.